Othello Case

Othello delves into the consequential struggle and disillusionment attributed to the rumour of infidelity. The major themes of jealousy, animal imagery and black and white continue to engage the post-modern mind set due to the sensitivities and sensibilities of emotions.

In Othello, disillusionment and struggle is manifested through the vulnerability of jealousy. The imagery associated with this central theme suggests the destructive, terrifying and perhaps unnatural qualities of this emotion. "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green eyed monster, which doth mock, the meat it feeds on." These lines suggest the exact quality of Othello's monumental jealousy, once he becomes convinced that his wife is unfaithful, his jealousy does indeed feed itself, leading the hero to behave monstrously. Othello continuously denies his jealousy, but it is apparent that he is losing his mind with the thought of Desdemona's unfaithfulness. He speaks to Iago saying "No Iago, I'll see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove, And on the proof, there is no more but this, Away at once with love or jealousy!" Jealousy also sets the events in motion as Iago's personal and professional jealousy turns him into a heartless villain. It spawns thoughts of revenge, and he soon develops a plan to achieve revenge on those he feels have wronged him. From the start of the play, Iago expresses his jealousy of both Cassio and Othello. As he becomes fixed on the idea of vengeance, Iago speaks in a soliloquy "Till I am evend with him, wife for wife, Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor, At least into a jealousy so strong, That judgment cannot cure". Both Iago and Othello feel jealous because they have lost possession of something that they held dear. Jealousy destroys love, honour and nobility in those it afflicts. It causes both male protagonists to become murderous and violent.

The play demonstrates how the power jealousy can overcome people. betrayed but can also cause regret and conflict. The play Othello, though written hundreds of years ago, still captivates audiences with its portrayal of the desperation and struggle one feels when jealousy is present. Although many years have passed since written, people can still relate to Othello because human nature does not change. . Othello demonstrates the disastrous consequences that may ensue when a person capitalizes on the jealous nature of another human.

Othello is compelling because it utilises infamous animal imagery to chart Othello's downfall and for character's to communicate their thoughts and personality. From Iago this imagery is reductive and negative. When he sets out with Roderigo to describe Othello's match with Desdamona he uses crude animal imagery " an old black ram, is tupping your white ewe" and the couple are " making the beast with two backs". Othello is gradually infected by this imagery and begins